Spain‑Portugal‑Italy Grand Tour (12 Days for Two)

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon & City Highlights

Morning: Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport, take the Aerobus to the city centre and check into a budget‑friendly guesthouse. Freshen up and stroll to the historic Baixa district.

Afternoon: Explore Praça do Comércio and the iconic Elevador de Santa Justa. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch of bacalhau.

Evening: Wander through the lively streets of Alfama, savoring pastel de nata while the city lights up. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

Day 2: Lisbon to Madrid (Night Travel)

Morning: Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and the nearby Belém Tower. Take in the maritime history of Portugal.

Afternoon: Head to the airport for an evening low‑cost flight to Madrid (≈2 h). Check into a centrally located hostel upon arrival.

Evening: Enjoy tapas in the bustling La Latina neighbourhood. Night travel saved a night’s accommodation in Madrid.

Day 3: Madrid – Football & Culture

Morning: Discover the artistic treasures of the Prado Museum and stroll through the nearby Retiro Park.

Afternoon: Visit the grand Royal Palace and its surrounding gardens, then relax at a café on Gran Via.

Evening: Attend a thrilling match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Experience the passion of Spanish football before returning to the hostel.

Day 4: Madrid to Barcelona (Night Train)

Morning: Explore the vibrant market of El Rastro and enjoy a leisurely brunch.

Afternoon: Wander the historic quarter of La Latina and visit the Temple of Debod. Board the overnight Renfe AVE night train to Barcelona (≈3 h).

Evening: Sleep aboard the train, saving one night’s hotel cost.

Day 5: Barcelona – Gaudí’s Masterpieces

Morning: Arrive in Barcelona and check into a budget hostel. Begin with a visit to La Sagrada Família (pre‑booked ticket).

Afternoon: Stroll down Passeig de Gràcia to admire Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Enjoy a quick lunch of patatas bravas.

Evening: Relax on the lively Barceloneta Beach and dine on fresh seafood. Overnight in Barcelona.

Day 6: Barcelona to Valencia (Night Bus)

Morning: Explore the historic Gothic Quarter and the bustling La Boqueria Market.

Afternoon: Visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Board a comfortable night bus to Valencia (≈4 h).

Evening: Sleep on the bus, cutting accommodation costs.

Day 7: Valencia – Coast & Culture

Morning: Arrive in Valencia, store luggage, and wander the beautiful Turia Gardens.

Afternoon: Tour the stunning Valencia Cathedral and climb the Miguelete tower for panoramic views.

Evening: Savor a paella dinner by the sea and stay overnight in a city‑center hostel.

Day 8: Valencia to Rome (Night Flight)

Morning: Visit the avant‑garde Oceanogràfic aquarium.

Afternoon: Catch an evening low‑cost flight to Rome (≈2 h). Check into a centrally located budget B&B.

Evening: Take a twilight walk to the illuminated Trevi Fountain and enjoy gelato.

Day 9: Rome – Ancient Wonders

Morning: Explore the Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum, immersing in Imperial history.

Afternoon: Visit the majestic Pantheon and wander the charming streets of Trastevere.

Evening: Dine on authentic Roman pasta near Piazza Navona. Overnight in Rome.

Day 10: Rome to Florence (Day Train) & Evening in Florence

Morning: Take a high‑speed Frecciarossa train to Florence (≈1.5 h). Store luggage and begin at the Uffizi Gallery.

Afternoon: Marvel at Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery and stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio.

Evening: Enjoy sunset from the steps of Piazzale Michelangelo. Stay overnight in a modest guesthouse.

Day 11: Florence to Venice (Evening Train)

Morning: Visit the grand Duomo and climb its dome for city views.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Palazzo Vecchio and browse artisan shops.

Evening: Board a night train to Venice (≈2 h). Sleep aboard to save a night’s lodging.

Day 12: Venice – Canals & Departure

Morning: Arrive in Venice, check into a small hotel near St. Mark’s Square. Take a vaporetto ride to the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Afternoon: Wander the romantic alleys, cross the Rialto Bridge, and enjoy a gondola ride.

Evening: Conclude the trip with a farewell dinner of seafood risotto, then head to Venice Marco Polo Airport for your departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Lisbon – Jerónimos Monastery: 2 h, €12 per person
• Lisbon – Belém Tower: 1 h, €6 per person
• Lisbon – Alfama walking tour: 3 h, free (optional guide €15)
• Lisbon to Madrid flight: 2 h, €80 total
• Madrid – Prado Museum: 2 h, €16 total
• Madrid – Royal Palace: 2 h, €14 total
• Madrid – Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (match ticket): 3 h, €120 total
• Madrid to Barcelona night train: 3 h, €70 total (incl. sleeper seat)
• Barcelona – Sagrada Família: 2 h, €30 total
• Barcelona – Casa Batlló & La Pedrera: 3 h, €45 total
• Barcelona – Barceloneta Beach: 2 h, free
• Barcelona to Valencia night bus: 4 h, €40 total
• Valencia – City of Arts and Sciences: 3 h, €30 total
• Valencia to Rome flight: 2 h, €100 total
• Rome – Colosseum & Forum: 3 h, €30 total
• Rome – Pantheon & Trastevere: 2 h, free
• Rome to Florence high‑speed train: 1.5 h, €50 total
• Florence – Uffizi Gallery: 2 h, €28 total
• Florence – Accademia (David): 1.5 h, €20 total
• Florence – Duomo climb: 1.5 h, €18 total
• Florence to Venice night train: 2 h, €60 total
• Venice – Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica: 3 h, €35 total
• Venice – Gondola ride: 0.5 h, €80 total
• Accommodation (hostels/guesthouses, 11 nights): €660 total
• Meals (average €30 per person per day): €720 total
• Local transport & transfers: €200 total
• Total Estimated Cost: €2,238

Tips

To shorten the trip, drop Valencia and the night bus to Barcelona; you’ll still see the highlights of Spain and Italy in 9 days. For a more relaxed pace, add a day in Seville (Spain) and a day in Naples (Italy) and use daytime trains instead of night travel, which will increase accommodation costs but reduce fatigue.